Clinical Director or Head Veterinary Surgeon

CVS Vets; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

RCVS & VDS fees paid in full

Generous CPD allowance

33 days holiday (option to buy/sell)

CVS Pension Scheme

Health cash plan

Wellbeing Champions

Staff pet care discounts

Job summary

Firstvets Group in Newcastle upon Tyne is seeking an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to become our Clinical Director or Head Veterinary Surgeon. The role offers a very competitive salary and flexibility with full-time or part-time options.

You will lead a supportive team across multiple sites, uphold clinical excellence, and drive service development while ensuring top-of-the-line patient and client care.

Qualifications

• Must be an experienced veterinary surgeon with strong leadership and coaching skills.
• Proven ability to drive high clinical standards and client care.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and inspire the veterinary team, upholding exceptional clinical standards and a culture of excellence.
• Deliver outstanding care to clients and patients in line with best practices and RCVS guidelines.
• Work closely with the Practice Manager to maintain and elevate clinical standards, contributing to strategic planning and service development.
• Manage the veterinary team, including routine check-ins, competency assessments, salary discussions, and rota planning.
• Participate in business performance activities such as budgeting and service optimisation.
• Be clinically confident and able to manage surgical, medical and emergency cases.
• Lead on innovation by introducing progressive medical and surgical techniques.
• Build and maintain strong, trusting relationships with clients through first-class care and communication.

Job description

Here at Firstvets Group, we have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to become our new Clinical Director or Head Veterinary Surgeon. Located in the heart of vibrant Newcastle in the North East of England, we are offering a very competitive salary and we're open to both full‑time / part‑time applicants and welcome flexible working arrangements.

Rota

40 hours per week. We're happy to discuss part-time and flexible options.

At CVS, we put our colleagues first, giving you the support you need to provide the best possible care. From clinical to non-clinical challenges, you'll always have the resources and teams alongside you. We'll be your biggest supporter, it's in our nature.

With market leading learning, on the job training, and collaboration with skilled colleagues, you'll have the tools to grow whether you're building confidence early in your career or looking to deepen your expertise. From advancing in your current role to exploring new leadership or specialist pathways, we provide the support and opportunities to help you achieve your goals

Life at Firstvets

Across our three sites (Heaton, Forrest Hall, North Shields), our fantastic team includes long standing experienced Vets, RVNs, SVNs, Patient Care Assistants and receptionist team. You will also be supported by our Senior Clinical Director.

Patient and clientcare are at the heart of everything we do. We continually strive to enhance our clinical standards and customer experience. We have a range of facilities including biochemistry, haematology, x-ray, ultrasound and we are in the process of getting dental radiography!

You’ll be joining an established, friendly, and supportive team within a well‑equipped, forward‑thinking group.

About you

You’ll be passionate about coaching, empowering your team, and consistently driving high standards of patient and client care. Your leadership will be key to our continued development as a centre of excellence.

You will be an experienced veterinary surgeon with strong clinical capability and a natural mentor who enjoys developing and supporting colleagues. Proactive and solutions‑focused, you will bring resilience and a positive outlook while collaborating effectively as a team player who adds professionalism and energy. As a forward‑thinking leader, you will be eager to help shape the future of the practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and inspire the veterinary team, upholding exceptional clinical standards and a culture of excellence.
• Deliver outstanding care to clients and patients in line with best practices and RCVS guidelines.
• Work closely with the Practice Manager to maintain and elevate clinical standards, contributing to strategic planning and service development.
• Manage the veterinary team, including routine check‑ins, competency assessments, salary discussions, and rota planning in collaboration with the Practice Manager.
• Participate in business performance activities such as budgeting, financial planning, and optimisation of client service.
• Be clinically confident and able to manage both surgical, medicine and emergency cases
• Lead on innovation by introducing progressive medical and surgical techniques to enhance patient outcomes.
• Build and maintain strong, trusting relationships with clients through first‑class care and compassionate communication.

The benefits

At CVS, we know that care for our patients starts with dedicated people like you. That's why we invest in your growth and your future. When you join our team, you'll receive:

• RCVS & VDS fees paid in full
• Generous CPD allowance, BSAVA library access, 450+ courses, and fully funded postgraduate qualifications (CertAVP, PgCert) with tuition, exams, and study leave covered
• Up to 33 days holiday (with option to buy/sell)
• CVS Pension Scheme
• Access to Vet Oracle telemedicine specialists, Advanced Clinical Services Network and Regional Clinical Leads for case support and mentoring
• Health cash plan, Employee Assistance Programme, Wellbeing Champions and enhanced family leave policies
• Staff pet care discounts – 50% off services, MiPet food and medications

This role is based in Newcastle Upon Tyne and commutable from Sunderland, Durham, Gateshead, North Shields, South Shields, Tynemouth, Whitley Bay, Wallsend, Hebburn, Jarrow, Boldon, Washington, Blaydon, Ryton, Whickham, Forest Hall, Killingworth, Longbenton, Backworth, Shiremoor, Cramlington, Ashington, Blyth, Morpeth, Bedlington, Ponteland, Hexham, Prudhoe, Darras Hall, Seaton Delaval, Seaton Sluice, New Hartley, Pegswood, Guide Post, Ellington, Choppington, Widdrington, Stannington, Stamfordham, Corbridge, Riding Mill, Amble, Alnmouth, Chester‑le‑Street, Consett, Seaham, Peterlee, Stanley, Spennymoor, Great Lumley, Birtley, Pelton, Sacriston, Ouston, Lanchester, Burnhope, Coxhoe, Easington, Murton, Crawcrook, Greenside, Stocksfield, Haydon Bridge and other locations within the Tyne and Wear, County Durham and Northumberland areas.

We're committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome, valued and able to do their best work. We foster an inclusive and equitable workplace, where diverse perspectives are invited and people feel safe to speak up.

Wellbeing support is always available, from monthly line‑manager check‑ins to our network of 400 Wellbeing Champions, Pastoral Support Vets and personal mentors. We offer leading benefits and policies, such as our Health Shield which provides support for physical and mental health.

Our aim is to free up clinical colleagues to do what they do best, so we offer practices a wide range of operational support. Central expert HR, recruitment, payroll, IT, finance, procurement teams are on hand to support with all aspects relating to the smooth running of each practice.

We prioritise investment in our facilities, delivering significant enhancements across numerous practices through a dedicated multi‑million‑pound improvement fund.